Summit Medical Center is fortunate to have a defined, working mission, vision, and values statement. In a commitment to these statements, one has devised a strategic roadmap to align with the mission and vision of the organization. In this paper, one will distinguish between strategy and tactics apply strategic choice to determine long-term objectives, create a road map for implementation, develop a tactical plan, forecast financials, and identify controls.

Strategy vs. Tactics

Strategy is the thought process behind a plan or change. A strategic plan identifies the goal that need to be accomplished in order to achieve. Tactics are a part of a strategy. They are merely considered when outlining a strategy. Wisegeek.com states, Ð²Ð‚ÑšTactics are the meat and bread of the strategy. They are the Ð²Ð‚?doingÐ²Ð‚™ aspect that follows the planning. Tactics refer specifically to the action.Ð²Ð‚Ñœ In other words, tactics are the actions needed to achieve the objectives designated by strategies. An example of a strategy for Summit Medical Center is increasing market share. Tactics are the ways leadership within the organization goes about increasing market share.

Strategic Choice in Achieving Long-Term Objectives

The long-term objective for Summit Medical Center incorporates increasing profitability, competitive position, productivity, employee relations, public responsibility, and customer service. In short, the company has a responsibility to uphold the vision, mission, and values through long-term objectives.

One strategy for the organization is to use opportunities to overcome weaknesses. Summit can develop ways to enter into new, desolate areas. Another strategy is to use organizational strengths to overcome threats. The company can do this by creating a new professional float pool for staffing deficiencies.

In an effort to determine and achieve long term goals the company should apply criteria like measurability, achievability, flexibility, and acceptability. All aspects of the SWOT analysis should be considered based on the overall environmental scan. One has selected a long-term plan based on the strengths and opportunities facing the organization. The plan is to use great cash positioning to enter new markets. This plan is flexible geographically, measurable, acceptable, and achievable.

Critical Success Factors for Implementation

Critical success factors play more than one role when implementing a strategy. These factors help in both directing and measuring the success of a strategy. They also define what is absolutely vital to the success of a strategy. In serving as a point of definition and evaluation, critical success factors are important. John F Rockart of MITÐ²Ð‚™s Sloan School of Management defined critical success factors as, Ð²Ð‚ÑšThe limited number of areas in which results, if they are satisfactory, will ensure the successful competitive performance for the organization. They are the few key areas where things must go right for the business to flourish. If results in these areas are not adequate, the organizationÐ²Ð‚™s efforts for the period will be less than desired.Ð²Ð‚Ñœ (http://www.dau.mil/pubs/pm/pmpdf01/so-dob.pdf). Rockart also devised a 6-step process to identify critical success factors for a business.

In using RockartÐ²Ð‚™s process to define critical success factors for Summit Medical Center, one knows the limitations for success. One can also further align strategies with the mission and vision of the company. In reference to Summit, critical success factors to achieve objectives include retaining staff, location, leadership skills, increasing competitiveness, cost control, and communication.

Location is a critical factor since it is part of the long-term goals in expansion. It affects the profitability and expansion of the company as a whole. Leadership skills are significant because these board members lay the foundation for the company and continue the legacy and dominance of Tri Star Health Systems. All employees look to leadership to successfully define and implement strategies. Meeting budget criteria is always essential to the success of strategies. Hitting numbers ensures the company remains profitable. Increasing competitiveness is also important to maintaining customer satisfaction and ensuring repeat customers. Without a competitive edge, the company is without business.

Road Map to Implementation

A strategic road map shows the path for future actions the company should take in accomplishing goals. A synonym for a strategic roadmap is simply a plan